Undoubtedly, the most notable discovery of this summer is the cellars of unknown origin on the Poshtova Square. They were discovered during the construction of a shopping and commercial complex and the event immediately became widely-publicized. The construction workers found another entrance to the cellar this week. Uzhgorod.net.ua informs what archaeologists say about this and what the current situation is.
WHAT HAPPENED?
On July 1, in the center of Uzhgorod, at Poshtova Sq., 4a, during the construction work, workers found cellars about three meters wide and up to two meters high. Local residents immediately began discussing theories about the purpose of the cellars: some people assumed they belonged to the "Beer House" establishment and were used to store wine; others speculated that the cellars are underground passageways to nearby buildings – the former mayor’s office or the "Owl’s Nest".
The Rescue Archaeological Service of the Institute of Archeology of the NAS of Ukraine urgently began working at the site, but even experts can not make any definitive conclusions now. During the works, the construction site was supervised by an archeologist, representative of the Rescue Service, Yosyp Kobal.
IS IT LEGAL?
After finding the entrance to the cellars, according to the instructions of the department of state architecture and construction control of the Uzhgorod city council, the construction was suspended, the experts of the Rescue Archaeological Service examined them and allowed to continue the zero cycle excavation works. Experts also predicted more findings in the construction site – and that is what happened soon afterwards.
According to the City Council, the unplanned review of the executive and project documentation for this construction is currently underway. The conclusions on the legality of the project will be made after the inspection is completed.
The developer has applied to the Ministry of Culture for approval of the updated construction project, taking into account the discovery.
The head of the department of state architecture and construction control of Uzhgorod city council Oleksandra Zotova noted that they even found a special equipment (construction crane), which will be installed exclusively in the center of the construction site to avoid the threat of landslide.
When the second entrance to the cellar was found, the construction was suspended again. However, the situation is complicated: archaeologists will be able to provide final expert conclusions only after the earthworks are completed.
Now, according to the safety project, the area was reinforced with concrete slabs to prevent landslide.
WHAT DO ARCHAEOLOGISTS SAY?
According to archaeologists’ preliminary findings, the discovery has no historical or cultural significance: the basement for economic purposes was built around the nineteenth century and was a part of a house that was demolished during World War II.
The decision on further action will be made based on the archeologists’ conclusions: if there are grounds for it, the basement can be restored, preserved and so on.
"The developer himself is interested in preserving the basement and making it a special attraction of our city. He strongly supports archaeological researches. By the way, it was him who reported the discovery", – Oleg Borshovsky added.
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